The student suspected of committing perceived hate crimes over
two weeks ago at the LGBT Resource Center over was released on
$50,000 bond Wednesday evening and is scheduled for a court hearing
today.
Robert G. Grosfield, 22, was arrested at his home in Ventura
County at about 1 p.m. Wednesday and was charged with the
interference of civil rights.
University police began searching for suspects on Sept. 13, the
day after a rock shattered a window at the center.
Then, just a day after the investigation began, more rocks were
thrown at the windows of the LGBT center and two rainbow flags were
also stolen, said the center’s director Ronni Sanlo.
Police designated the attacks as hate crimes, a charge carrying
harsher legal ramifications, because they were directed at the LGBT
center.
Robert Naples, dean of students, said it is too early to tell if
Grosfield will also face charges under the student code of
conduct.
Naples said Grosfield could be charged with violating the code
if he is accused of doing damage on campus.
Grosfield’s offense could have additional consequences,
such as suspension or dismisal, if it is determined to be a hate
crime, Naples said.
After the series of attacks occurred, university police were
able to collect fingerprints and blood samples from the scene since
the suspect had been cut by the broken glass of the windows.
The attacks came close to the first anniversary of the
center’s move to the Student Activities Center and the 10th
anniversary of its establishment.
Immediately after the attacks, Chancellor Albert Carnesale met
with Sanlo and other campus officials and issued a statement
outlining the campus’ zero tolerance policy in cases of hate
crimes.
Sanlo has also said support for the center from the rest of the
campus has been overwhelming.